Our expert views and commentary on what’s happening in the world of mortgages and sometimes beyond, along with our regular summary of what the papers say.
Stamp Duty Land Tax is a controversial issue for some. Originally introduced as a historic tax in 1694, it is something that is unavoidable if you are buying a house.You must pay this tax by the official moving-in date (or possession date) of your new home.The stamp duty that we recognize today was first introduced in 2003, and has just undergone the biggest change since it was introduced. How does stamp duty work? If involved in the purchase p...
The Chancellor’s recent announcement regarding changes to the stamp duty system featured heavily in this weekend’s financial press, although opinion on the potential benefits remained divided. The reforms will see stamp duty charged in a similar way to income tax, with different percentage rates charged to each portion of the price. The changes were generally welcomed, but critics in the Financial Times claimed that a major overhaul is still need...
There have been so many changes to the property market within the last few years, that for first time buyers coming into the market right now, it’s like a whirlwind. Knowing the right places to look; the appropriate checks to ensure you do; and the changes in mortgage rates and house prices; it’s almost like you need a degree to understand everything involved in the process of buying a house.So here’s a quick guide to the most important things yo...
Figures released by the Council of Mortgage Lenders (CML) this week showed that first time buyers’ share of the mortgage market fell in July to its lowest level for 3 years. The number of mortgages taken out by First Time Buyers in July stood at 19,400 – down from 19,700 in June and from 20,100 July 2009. CML’s figures also show that buyers of their first home are, on average, putting down a deposit of 24% – this equates to around £40,000 depend...
According to Nationwide’s House Price Index, UK house prices fell by 1% in February, bringing to a halt their 9 month run of increases.Nationwide’s chief economist, Martin Gahbauer, commented “There is evidence from a range of indicators that the market may have lost momentum in early 2010 as the stamp duty holiday ended and house hunters were obstructed by the icy weather,”He also cautioned that “At this stage, it is difficult to gauge how much ...
Just as we’ve been getting used to some positive signs for the housing market, somebody has to come along and spoil it with some facts. Rightmove the property website reported asking prices dropped by 1.6% in November and expect them to continue falling for the next two months. Prices fell as sellers looked to secure a sale before Christmas, their case helped by some buyers being equally keen to beat the imminent change in the stamp duty thresh...
This weekend’s mortgage news focused on the recent Centre for Economics and Business Research forecast that interest rates will remain low for at least 2 years, with the Daily Telegraph, the Guardian and the Observer all discussing the impact this will have on a borrower’s decision over what rate to take. Experts suggest that lifetime trackers and some standard variable rates are very competitive at the moment depending on the amount of equity in...
As we have come to expect, both Nationwide and Halifax reported house prices falling further in April, but by differing amounts.Nationwide reported a drop of 0.4% to an average price of £151,861, and Halifax a much larger drop of 1.7% to £154,716, giving annual reductions of 15% and 17.7% respectively.Nationwide welcomed the extension to the stamp duty holiday announced in the budget. Before the initial stamp duty announcement last September, onl...
This weekend’s financial press was brimming with comments and advice following last week’s budget announcement. The Times, Telegraph and the Sunday Times all reported on the extension of the current stamp duty window, with many industry experts sharing the opinion that the move does not go far enough in helping First Time Buyers....
Here are the main points of the budget delivered yesterday by Alistair DarlingHousing & MortgagesThe temporary increase in the nil rate stamp duty threshold to £175,000 will be extended to the end of the year. This means around 60% of all house purchases will be exempt.£500 million will be provided to enable stalled housing developments to be completed£100 million will be given to local government to build energy efficient housing.£50 million...
Both Nationwide and Halifax reported similar falls in their house price indices for August, as the downward trend gathered pace. Nationwide reported an average fall of 1.9% in August and Halifax 1.8%, with both lenders now quoting the annual rate of decline in double figures for the first time in at least 18 years.While different, the average price given by both lenders is now below the new stamp duty threshold of £175,000 announced by the Chance...